The NBA schedule makers knew exactly what they were doing when they circled January 24, 2026, on the calendar. At first glance, it’s just another Saturday night game at the Target Center. But for anyone actually paying attention to the Western Conference hierarchy, this Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Warriors showdown is basically a temperature check for two teams heading in completely opposite directions.
Minnesota is sitting pretty at 27-14, holding down the 4th seed in the West. Meanwhile, Golden State is scrapping at 22-19, currently occupying the 8th spot. It's a weird role reversal from the dynasty years, isn't it?
The Drama You Might Have Missed
Honestly, if you only follow the national highlights, you probably think this is just Anthony Edwards vs. Stephen Curry. It's not. There’s a lot of scar tissue here. Remember last May? The Wolves basically ended the Warriors' season in a five-game gentleman’s sweep in the second round. Julius Randle was a monster in that series, and Anthony Edwards officially took the "best shooting guard in the league" mantle while Curry was hobbled.
Golden State hasn't forgotten. They’ve actually played some inspired basketball lately, winning three straight heading into this late-January stretch. But the roster looks... different.
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Gone are the days of the predictable "Death Lineup." The Warriors have been starting a mix of the old guard and some new faces that even casual fans might not recognize yet. Jimmy Butler—yeah, you read that right—is now in a Warriors jersey, adding a layer of grit and "revenge game" energy every time he faces a former team. He’s been averaging nearly 22 points this month, though he’s been a bit "day-to-day" with personal reasons lately.
Why the Matchup is a Tactical Nightmare
Minnesota is just huge. There’s no other way to put it. Between Rudy Gobert’s rim protection and Julius Randle’s bully-ball style, they present a physical problem that Golden State has historically struggled to solve.
- Rudy Gobert: He’s still a walking double-double (18 points and 14 rebounds in his last outing against Washington).
- Anthony Edwards: The man is a flamethrower. 35 points on 14-of-21 shooting recently. He’s making a legit MVP case.
- Stephen Curry: Still the "Skyfucker." He's attempting over 12 threes a game again. If he gets hot, the Wolves' size doesn't matter because the ball never touches the paint.
The Warriors' defense has been middle-of-the-pack, ranking around 13th, while Minnesota’s "Twin Towers" approach (even with the Randle pivot) keeps them in the top tier of defensive efficiency. The real question for the January 24 game is the health of the stars. Edwards has been dealing with right foot maintenance, and Curry just came back from a quadriceps issue that sidelined him in late 2025.
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The "New" Golden State Identity
The Dubs are weird now. They lead the league in 3-pointers (they just hit 23 of them against the Hornets), but their rotation is a rotating door. Beyond Steph and Draymond, you’ve got guys like Will Richard and Quinten Post trying to find their footing in Steve Kerr’s system. It’s not the polished machine of 2017. It’s scrappy. It’s chaotic.
Draymond Green is still Draymond Green, for better or worse. He actually got ejected in the second quarter against the Jazz just a few days ago. That’s the wild card. If Draymond stays on the floor, he can bait Gobert into foul trouble. If he doesn't, Minnesota’s size will eat the Warriors alive.
What to Watch For on Saturday
The betting markets are likely going to favor Minnesota at home, probably by 4 or 5 points. But don’t sleep on the Warriors’ "math problem." They take so many threes that they can overcome a 10-point deficit in about ninety seconds.
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The last time these two met at the Chase Center in December, it was a 126-120 thriller that went the Wolves' way. Donte DiVincenzo—the former Warrior—hit a dagger three to seal it. The irony isn't lost on anyone.
If you're looking for an edge, watch the bench scoring. Minnesota’s depth is their secret weapon. Naz Reid is still a luxury most teams can’t afford, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker provides that perimeter pest defense that drives Curry crazy.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
- Check the 2:00 PM Injury Report: Anthony Edwards is technically "questionable" with that foot issue. If he sits, the line moves significantly.
- Watch the First Quarter Pace: If the Warriors get the Wolves into a track meet, they win. If it’s a half-court slog, Minnesota wins.
- Monitor Jimmy Butler's Status: His "personal" absence on Saturday makes him a wild card for the Monday and Saturday games.
The Western Conference is a meat grinder. This game isn't just about January bragging rights; it’s about head-to-head tiebreakers that will 100% matter when April rolls around. Minnesota wants to prove last year's playoff win wasn't a fluke. Golden State wants to prove they aren't done yet.